Sarong hip cloth
Dated c. 1930, signed by J. Jans. Donated by Leidsche Katoenmaatschappij in 1932.
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Batik by J. Jans
story by Arlene D. Soemardi.You may have encountered some batik, or Indonesian textile, in museums. Many batiks are grouped per period or style with a particular focus on the makers’ ‘race’ or ethnic background. Batiks with a European influence are shown as a separate group, but are they really a separate group or part of a larger trend? And can these makers, or better yet: batik bosses, be divided into groups based on their ethnicity? To answer these questions, it is important to look deeper for a better understanding of the story. Let’s dive into one of the batiks made during the Dutch East Indies era: Batik by J. Jans